Communication device having metallic frame that includes a t-shaped slot antenna

ABSTRACT

A communication device is made with a metallic frame having an interior mounting surface for receiving one or more functional components. The metallic frame includes a first frame member having a first portion extending uninterrupted across one lateral side of the metallic frame. The first portion provides structural support to the communication device. A T-shaped slot antenna is formed in a second portion of the first frame member adjacent to the first portion. The T-shaped slot antenna has first and second arms separated at a gap and partially encompassing a slot. The second portion of the first frame member enables radio frequency communication by at least one of the functional components via the T-shaped slot antenna of the communication device.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/850,933, filed Apr. 16, 2020, the content of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communicationdevices, and more particularly to wireless communication devices havingantennas conformably integrated within an outer surface of the device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Communication devices, such as smartphones, incorporate a number ofantennas to support multiple frequency bands assigned to various typesof communication networks. Recent designs of communication devices alsoincorporate an increasing number of antennas for spatial diversity anddirectional antenna gain via multiple-in multiple output (MIMO)operations. Given a preference for conformably integrating the antennaswithin the form factor of the communication device, antennas are oftenformed in a metallic portion of a housing of a communication device.Burying antennas within the structure of the communication devicesignificantly degrades antenna performance. For example, smartphonesthat have a “candy bar” form factor can have a bezel area surrounding adisplay or housing cover that includes slot antennas. Even for a unitaryshape like the candy bar form factor, additional area near the surfaceof the communication device is needed for more antennas. Displays tendto dominate or fully cover at least a front side of the communicationdevice. Smartphones having a “flip phone” form factor further reduceavailable surface area by having surfaces that are “buried” when thecommunication device is folded or closed.

Current attempts to provide additional antennas includes use of laserdirect structuring (LDS) technology to produce high-performingthree-dimensional antennas directly onto a molded three-dimensionalsurface. Electrically connecting these antennas creates assembly issues,increasing the cost of manufacturing. There are also limited externalareas of the housing available for placing the LDS-produced antennas toachieve satisfactory antenna performance. For example, 2.4 GHztransmissions for wireless local access networks (WLANs) requireplacement of antennas at an outer surface or edge of the communicationdevice. Other attempts have been made to form an antenna along an outerframe or housing of the communication device. The metallic structure istransversely cut to form the antenna, reducing structural integrity ofthe device. The resulting structure is weakened and does not resistbending of the communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a flip-styledcommunication device having a T-shaped slot antenna formed in a metallicframe, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a three-dimensional back view of an examplecommunication device of FIG. 1 in an open position, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional back view of the examplecommunication device of FIG. 2 in the open position and partiallydisassembled to depict a T-shaped slot antenna incorporated into ametallic frame, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional back view of the examplecommunication device of FIG. 2 in a closed position, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional back view of the examplecommunication device of FIG. 2 in the closed position and partiallydisassembled to depict a T-shaped slot antenna incorporated into ametallic frame, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed three-dimensional side view of the examplecommunication device of the example communication device of FIG. 2 in aclosed position, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates a three-dimensional side view of the T-shaped slotantenna incorporated into a metallic frame of the communication deviceof FIG. 5 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates a three-dimensional top view of the T-shaped slotantenna of FIG. 5 and an antenna feed depicted disassembled from an edgeof a printed circuit board (PCB) of the communication device, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5with an ideal feed in a short arm portion of the T-shaped slot,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a graphical plot illustrating the magnitude of scatterparameters as a function of frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIG. 8 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5with an ideal feed in a long arm portion of the T-shaped slot, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a graphical plot illustrating the magnitude of scatterparameters as a function of frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIG. 10 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5 with anexample capacitive antenna feed coupled to elongated capacitive platepositioned in close proximity to adjacent portions of both arms,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional side view of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIG. 5 and an example capacitive antenna feed coupled to narrowcapacitive plate positioned in close proximity to adjacent portions ofboth arms, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a graphical plot illustrating the magnitude of scatterparameters as a function of frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIG. 13 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5 and anexample capacitive antenna feed coupled to small capacitive platepositioned in a gap between both arms, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 16 is a graphical plot illustrating the magnitude of scatterparameters as a function of frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIG. 15 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5and a first example capacitive antenna coupling and line feed extendingto a terminating end of a long arm portion of the T-shaped slot,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5and a second example capacitive antenna coupling and line feed extendingto a position inside of the terminating end of the long arm portion ofthe T-shaped slot, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 5and a third example capacitive antenna coupling and line feed extendingto a position further inside of the terminating end of the long armportion of the T-shaped slot, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a graphical plot illustrating the magnitude of scatterparameters as a function of frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna ofFIGS. 17-19 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 21 illustrates a functional block diagram of a manufacturingsystem, according to one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 22A and 22B (FIG. 22 ) provide a flow diagram of a method formaking a T-shaped slot antenna in a metallic frame of a communicationdevice that is designed to resist twisting and bending, according to oneor more embodiments; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a communication deviceprovides a T-shaped slot antenna that is for dual band communication andis part of the structural support for the communication device. Anopening along one side of slot forms two arms, of different lengths tohave different resonate frequencies. In one or embodiments, the T-shapedslot antenna extends along a lateral edge of the communication device,where the lateral edge is unimpeded by opening or closing or rotating amovable portion of the communication device, maintaining 180° externalexposure. A metallic frame of the communication device has an interiormounting surface for receiving functional component(s). The metallicframe includes a first frame member having a first portion extendinguninterrupted across one lateral side of the metallic frame. The firstportion provides structural support to the communication device. TheT-shaped slot antenna is formed in a second portion of the first framemember adjacent to the first portion. The T-shaped slot antenna hasfirst and second arms separated at a gap and partially encompassing aslot. The second portion of the first frame member enables radiofrequency communication by the functional component(s) via the T-shapedslot antenna of the communication device.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method of making acommunication device includes making a first frame member from metallicstock material, the first frame member having a first portion and asecond portion that extend longitudinally adjacent. The method includesmaking a T-shaped slot antenna in the second portion of the first framemember. The T-shaped slot antenna has first and second arms separated ata gap and partially encompassing a slot. The method includes attachingat least one housing structure to the first frame member to form ametallic frame of a communication device to provide an interior mountingsurface for receiving one or more functional components of thecommunication device. The second portion of the first frame memberenables radio frequency communication by at least one of the functionalcomponents via the T-shaped slot antenna of the communication device.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a communication devicehas a first frame member including a first portion that resists bendingand twisting. The first frame member includes second portion having aT-shaped slot antenna that is adjacent to the first portion. TheT-shaped slot antenna has first and second arms separated at a gap andpartially encompassing a slot. The first and the second arms have adifferent length to create a corresponding first and second antennaresonant frequency of the slot. A radio frequency (RF) front end of thecommunication device is supported by the first frame member andelectrically coupled via a lead line that is electromagnetically coupledto the slot. A memory of the communication device contains acommunication application. A controller of the communication device iscommunicatively coupled to the RF front end and the memory. Thecontroller executes the communication application to enable the RF frontend to: (i) communicate with a first remote device via at least one ofan uplink channel and a downlink channel at the first antenna resonantfrequency of the slot; and (ii) communicate with a second remote devicevia at least one of an uplink channel and a downlink channel at thesecond antenna resonant frequency of the slot.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which the various aspectsof the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changesmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure isdefined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Within thedescriptions of the different views of the figures, similar elements areprovided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previousfigure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are providedsolely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply anylimitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the describedembodiment. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarilybeen drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elementsare exaggerated relative to other elements.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names, such as those of the executing utility, logic, and/orfirmware described herein, are for example only and not meant to implyany limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thusbe described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized todescribe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functionsherein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol orproprietary name in describing one or more elements, features orconcepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of oneimplementation, and such references do not limit the extension of theclaimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature,protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term utilized hereinis to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in whichthat term is utilized.

As further described below, implementation of the functional features ofthe disclosure described herein is provided within processing devicesand/or structures and can involve use of a combination of hardware,firmware, as well as several software-level constructs (e.g., programcode and/or program instructions and/or pseudo-code) that execute toprovide a specific utility for the device or a specific functionallogic. The presented figures illustrate both hardware components andsoftware and/or logic components.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwarecomponents and basic configurations depicted in the figures may vary.The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive, butrather are representative to highlight essential components that areutilized to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example,other devices/components may be used in addition to or in place of thehardware and/or firmware depicted. The depicted example is not meant toimply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presentlydescribed embodiments and/or the general invention. The description ofthe illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the presentdisclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presentedherein.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device in anoperating environment within which the features of the presentdisclosure are advantageously implemented. In particular, communicationdevice 100, controlled by controller 101, is an example of an electronicdevice that has T-shaped slot antenna 102 in metallic frame 104 thatresists twisting and bending. In one or more embodiments, communicationdevice 100 has a flip form factor with side placement of T-shaped slotantenna 102 that is unimpeded regardless of whether communication device100 is in an open or closed position. Communication device 100 can beone of a host of different types of devices, including but not limitedto, a mobile cellular phone, satellite phone, or smart-phone, a laptop,a net-book, an ultra-book, a networked smart watch or networkedsports/exercise watch, and/or a tablet computing device or similardevice that includes wireless communication functionality. As a devicesupporting wireless communication, communication device 100 can beutilized as, and also be referred to as, a system, device, subscriberunit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), mobile, mobile device,remote station, remote terminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent,user device, user equipment (UE), a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant(PDA), computer workstation, a handheld device having wirelessconnection capability, a computing device, or other processing devicesconnected to a wireless modem.

Referring now to the specific component makeup and the associatedfunctionality of the presented components. In one or more embodiments,communication device 100 includes over-the-air (OTA) or wirelesscommunication subsystem 107, data storage subsystem 109, andinput/output subsystem 110, with each subsystem being controlled bycontroller 101. Antenna subsystem 112 of wireless communicationsubsystem 107 includes T-shaped slot antenna 102, other antennas 113a-113 n, and antenna array modules (ARMs) 114 a-114 m. In one or moreembodiments, T-shaped slot antennas 102 supports cellular service in theupper frequency bands assigned to fourth generation (4G) LTE radioaccess technology (RAT) and lower frequency bands assigned to fifthgeneration (5G) new radio (NR) RAT. Antennas 113 a-113 n support lowerfrequency bands such as ultra-high band (UHB). ARMs 114 a-114 m supportmultiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication in higher frequencybands, such as millimeter Wave (mmWave). Wireless communicationsubsystem 107 includes RF front end 115 having transceiver(s) 116 thatincludes transmitter(s) (“TX”) 117 and receiver(s) (“RX”) 118. RF frontend 115 further includes modem(s) 119. Wireless communication subsystem107 includes communication module 120 having baseband processor 121.Baseband processor 121 communicates with controller 101 and RF front end115. As described in more detail below, wireless communication subsystem107 communicates with external communication system 125.

External communication system 125 can include devices such as wirelessheadset 126 and smart watch 127. External communication system 125 caninclude global positioning system (GPS) satellites 128, base node(s)129, access node 131, and networks 132. Base node(s) 129, whichcorrespond to radio access networks (RANs) 133, wirelessly transmit andreceive communication via radio tower 134.

Data storage subsystem 109 of communication device 100 includes datastorage device(s) 143. Controller 101 is communicatively connected, viasystem interlink 142, to data storage device(s) 143. Data storagesubsystem 109 provides nonvolatile storage that is accessible bycontroller 101. For example, data storage subsystem 109 can provide alarge selection of other applications 171 that can be loaded into devicememory 166. In one or more embodiments, data storage device(s) 143includes hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disk drives, solid statedrives (SSDs), etc. Data storage subsystem 109 of communication device100 can include removable storage device(s) (RSD(s)) 140, which isreceived in RSD interface 141. Controller 101 is communicativelyconnected to RSD 140, via system interlink 142 and RSD interface (I/F)141. In one or more embodiments, RSD 140 is a non-transitory computerprogram product or computer readable storage device. Controller 101 canaccess RSD 140 to provision communication device 100 with program code.When executed by controller 101, the program code causes or configurescommunication device 100 to provide the functionality described herein.

I/O subsystem 110 includes flip sensor 141, image capturing device 144,and proximity sensor 145. I/O subsystem 110 also includes user interfacedevice(s) 147 having touch/haptic controls 148 and display 150. Displaypresents user interface 151. I/O subsystem 110 also includes microphone152, range finder 153, and audio output device(s) 154. I/O subsystem 110also includes I/O controller 155, which connects to peripheral devicesexternal to housing 156 of communication device 100. In one or moreembodiments, housing 156 has a flip form factor with movable (flip)housing 157 pivotally coupled to base housing 158. T-shaped slot antenna102 can be incorporated into a portion of metallic frame 104 thatsupports one of flip and base housing 157-158.

Controller 101 controls the various functions and/or operations ofcommunication device 100. These functions and/or operations include, butare not limited to including, application data processing, communicationwith other electronic devices, navigation tasks, and signal processing.In one or more alternate embodiments, communication device 100 may usehardware component equivalents for application data processing andsignal processing. For example, communication device 100 may use specialpurpose hardware, dedicated processors, general purpose computers,microprocessor-based computers, micro-controllers, optical computers,analog computers, dedicated processors and/or dedicated hard-wiredlogic.

Controller 101 includes processor subsystem 164, which includes one ormore central processing units (CPUs), depicted as data processor 165.Processor subsystem 164 can include one or more digital signalprocessors 167 that are integrated with data processor 165 or arecommunicatively coupled to data processor 165. Data processor 165 iscommunicatively coupled, via system interlink 142, to device memory 166.

Device memory 166 includes applications such as communicationapplication 168 and other application(s) 171. Device memory 166 furtherincludes operating system (OS) 172, firmware interface (I/F) 173, suchas basic input/output system (BIOS) or Uniform Extensible FirmwareInterface (UEFI), and other firmware 174. Device memory 166 includesdata 175 used by communication application 168 and other application(s)171.

Processor subsystem 164 of controller 101 executes program code such ascommunication application 168 to provide operating functionality ofcommunication device 100. These software and/or firmware modules havevarying functionality when their corresponding program code is executedby processor subsystem 164 or secondary processing devices withincommunication device 100. For example, processor subsystem 164 ofcontroller 101 can execute program code of communication application 168to communicate via T-shaped slot antenna 102.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101 of communication device 100is communicatively coupled via system interlink 142 to wirelesscommunication subsystem 107, data storage subsystem 109, andinput/output subsystem 110. System interlink 142 represents internalcomponents that facilitate internal communication by way of one or moreshared or dedicated internal communication links, such as internalserial or parallel buses. As utilized herein, the term “communicativelycoupled” means that information signals are transmissible throughvarious interconnections, including wired and/or wireless links, betweenthe components. The interconnections between the components can bedirect interconnections that include conductive transmission media ormay be indirect interconnections that include one or more intermediateelectrical components. Although certain direct interconnections(interlink 142) are illustrated in FIG. 1 , it is to be understood thatmore, fewer, or different interconnections may be present in otherembodiments.

Communication module 120 communicates with node(s) 129 viauplink/downlink channels 190. Communication module 120 communicates withaccess node 131 via transmit/receive signals 191. Communication module120 receives satellite broadcast signals 192 from GPS satellites 128.Communication module 120 communicates with wireless headset 126 viatransmit/receive signals 193. Communication module 120 communicates withsmart watch 127 via transmit/receive signals 194. Within wirelesscommunication subsystem 107, communication module 120 operates inbaseband frequency range to encode data for transmission and decodereceived data, according to a communication protocol. Modem(s) 119modulate baseband encoded data from communication module 120 onto acarrier signal to provide a transmit signal that is amplified bytransmitter(s) 117. Modem(s) 119 demodulates the received signal frombase node(s) 129 or the received signal from access node 131. Thereceived signal is detected by antenna subsystem 112. The receivedsignal is amplified and filtered by receiver(s) 118, which demodulatereceived encoded data from a received carrier signal.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101, via wireless communicationsubsystem 107, performs multiple types of OTA or wireless communicationwith external communication system 125. Wireless communication subsystem107 can communicate via Bluetooth connection with one or more personalaccess network (PAN) devices, such as wireless headset 126 and smartwatch 127. Communication via Bluetooth connection includes bothtransmission and reception via a Bluetooth transceiver device. In one ormore embodiments, wireless communication subsystem 107 communicates withone or more locally networked devices via a wireless local area network(WLAN) link provided by access node 131. In one or more embodiments,access node 131 supports communication using one or more IEEE 802.11WLAN protocols. Access node 131 is connected to wide area network 132,such as the Internet. In one or more embodiments, wireless communicationsubsystem 107 communicates with GPS satellites 128 to obtain geospatiallocation information.

T-shaped slot antenna 102 can support one or more communicationfrequencies. Slot antennas are radiating elements used typically atfrequencies between 300 MHz and 24 GHz. A slot antenna consists of ametal surface, usually a flat plate, with one or more holes or slots cutout. When the plate is driven as an antenna by a driving frequency, theslot radiates electromagnetic waves in a way similar to a dipoleantenna. T-shaped slot antenna 102 radiates a pattern that is similar toa complementary shaped dual inverted “L” antenna (DILA) dipole antenna.The T-shaped slot antenna 102 behaves according to Babinet's principleas a resonant radiator. This principle relates the radiated fields andimpedance of an aperture or slot antenna to that of the field of adipole antenna. The polarization of a slot antenna is linear. The fieldsof the slot antenna are almost the same as the dipole antenna, but thefield's components are interchanged: a vertical slot has a horizontalelectric field whereas a vertical dipole has a vertical electricalfield. In one or more embodiments, portions of metallic frame 104 areremoved such that the perimeter of metallic frame 104 is continuous andat the same time allows the formation of a dual slot antenna as part ofmetallic frame 104. Non-conductive material 196 such as a resin orpolymer can be introduced into the space formed by the removed metallicmaterial. T-shape slot antenna 102 is not cut through metallic frame 102and does not create any discontinuities in housing 156, preservingsturdiness of communication device 100. T-shape slot antenna 102 has twoarms, short arm 197 a and long arm 197 b allowing T-shape slot antenna102 to be dimensionally tuned to have dual band resonance. Short andlong arms 197 a-197 b define an outer edge of slot 198 except for gap199 between short and long arms 197 a-197 b. T-shape slot antenna 102can be fed in different ways depend on internal mechanical structure ofcommunication device 100. In one or more embodiments discussed below,T-shape slot antenna 102 is fed through a capacitive coupled line. SinceT-shape slot antenna 102 is formed in an exterior metal band ofcommunication device 100, performance of T-shape slot antenna 102 isgood in term of radiation efficiency and voltage standing wave ratio(VSWR). The parameter, VSWR, is a measure that numerically describes howwell an antenna is impedance matched to the radio or transmission linethat the antenna is connected to.

FIGS. 2-5 depict several view of example communication device 100. FIG.2 depicts a three-dimensional back view of example communication device100 in an open position. Communication device 100 is a portableelectronic device having two metallic frames, flip and base metallicframes 104 a-104 b, which are pivotally coupled to form a flip formfactor. Flip cover 200 is attached over a back portion of flip metallicframe 104 a. Base cover 202 is attached over a back portion of basemetallic frame 104 b. Flip and base covers 200-202 areelectromagnetically transparent to RF and microwave radiated signals.FIG. 3 depicts a three-dimensional back view of example communicationdevice 100 of FIG. 2 in the open (“unfolded”) position. In FIG. 3 , basecover 202 (FIG. 2 ) is removed. T-shaped slot antenna 102 isincorporated into base metallic frame 104 b. The orientation of T-shapedslot antenna 102 is illustrative with other placements and orientationsbeing consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. In one or moreembodiments, T-shaped slot antenna 102 is oriented with gap 199 directedtoward a back side of communication device 100 as depicted. In one ormore embodiments, T-shaped slot antenna 102 is in reverse orientation,with gap 199 directed toward a front side of communication device 100.In one or more embodiments, T-shaped slot antenna 102 is rotated 90°about a longitudinal axis such that gap 199 is directed inwardly. In oneor more embodiments, T-shaped slot antenna 102 is rotated −90° about thelongitudinal axis such that gap 199 is directed outwardly. FIG. 4depicts a three-dimensional view of example communication device 100 ofFIG. 2 in a closed (“folded”) position. FIG. 5 depicts athree-dimensional view of example communication device 100 of FIG. 4 inthe closed position with base cover 202 (FIG. 2 ) removed. In both openpositions of FIGS. 2-3 and closed positions of FIGS. 4-5 , T-shape slotantenna 102 is electromagnetically exposed to at least a 180°hemispheric area from a lateral side of example communication device100.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed three-dimensional side view of examplecommunication device 100 in a closed position. T-shaped slot antenna 102is formed in base metallic frame 104 b. In one or more embodiments, basemetallic frame 104 b is aluminum. Base cover 202 includes a plasticmolded nose portion 602 that distally extends from base metallic frame104 b. Base cover 202 includes plastic fill portions 604 that closeopenings in base metallic frame 104 b, such as T-shape slot antenna 102.White portions of FIG. 6 depict the aluminum metallic frame and yellowportions of FIG. 6 depict plastic.

FIG. 7A depicts a three-dimensional side view of the T-shaped slotantenna incorporated into a metallic frame of FIG. 5 . Short arm 197 ahas length L_(S). Long arm 197 b has length L_(L). Total length ofT-shape slot antenna 102 is L_(T)=L_(S)+L_(L). Differential length ΔL ofT-shape slot antenna 102 is ΔL=L_(L)−L_(S). These lengths correspond toharmonic multiples ¼, ½, 1, etc. of a wavelength (λ) of an excitationsignal with appropriate placement of antenna feed that produce resonantfrequencies. Short arm 197 a is responsible for a higher resonancefrequency than long arm 197 b of T-shaped slot antenna 102. Withexcitation near the middle of T-shape slot antenna 102, a differentialmode resonance can be excited.

FIG. 7B depicts a three-dimensional top view of T-shaped slot antenna102 of FIG. 5 and an antenna feed 700 depicted as disassembled from anedge of printed circuit board (PCB) 704 that is disposed within metallicframe 104. A conducting trace 706 is electrically connected tocapacitive plate 708, which is introduced in proximity to slot 198 inorder to excite T-shape slot antenna 102 at the edge. Plate support 710is attached to capacitive plate 708 and PCB 704. When assembled,capacitive plate 708 extends into slot 198 in close proximity to shortand long arms 197 a-197 b. Good radiation efficiency is achieved forreasons that include: (a) T-shape slot antenna 102 is exposed to theoutside of communication device 100; (b) positioning of T-shape slotantenna 102 provides more than 180° of exposure; and (c) placement ofPCB 704 exactly under T-shape slot antenna 102 avoids any image current.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 5with an ideal feed 800 in short arm end 802 of slot 198, opposite tolong arm end 804 of slot 198. Ideal feed 800 is a direct RF or microwaveconnection to a particular point proximate to slot 198 that correspondsto harmonic nodes. According to the illustrative embodiments, thehousing system has multiple inserted molded elements, which are part ofthe overall structure. In one or more embodiments, nonconductivematerial fills openings in frame 104, such as slot 198. Nonconductivematerial can also cover portions of frame 104, such as base cover 202(FIG. 2 ). Considering the nonconductive material that is molded to fillT-shaped slot 102, resonance frequency of short arm 197 a has quarterwavelength (λ/4) at 6.4 GHz. FIG. 9 depicts a graphical plot 900 of themagnitude in decibels (dB) of scatter parameters as a function offrequency of T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 8 . Scattering parameters(“S-parameters”) describe the electrical behavior of linear electricalnetworks when undergoing various steady state stimuli by electricalsignals. The nonconductive material has permittivity that is more thanair and affects the resonance frequency of T-shaped slot antenna 102,shifting the resonance frequency down in relation to a value ofpermittivity of the material. Graphical plot 900 confirms the resonantfrequency behavior of quarter wavelength (λ/4) at 6.4 GHz.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 5with ideal feed 1000 in a long arm portion of the T-shaped slot 198.Resonance frequency of long arm 197 b has quarter wavelength (λ/4) at3.2 GHz. FIG. 11 depicts a graphical plot 1100 of magnitude ofS-parameters as a function of frequency of T-shaped slot antenna 102 ofFIG. 8 . Graphical plot 1100 confirms the resonant frequency behavior ofquarter wavelength (λ/4) at 3.2 GHz.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 5 withan example elongated capacitive antenna feed 1200 coupled to capacitiveplate 1202 that is positioned in close proximity to adjacent portions ofboth arms 197 a-197 b within slot 198. Resonance frequency can be tunedby designing capacitive plate 1202. In particular, dimensions ofcapacitive plate 1202 and a distance of capacitive plate 1202 from eachside of slot 198 can be selected to achieve the tuning.

FIG. 13 depicts a three-dimensional side view of T-shaped slot antenna102 of FIG. 5 having example capacitive antenna feed 1300 coupled tonarrow capacitive plate 1302 of longitudinal dimension 2.6 mm positionedwithin slot 198 in close proximity to adjacent portions of both arms 197a-197 b. FIG. 14 depicts a graphical plot 1400 of the magnitude ofscatter parameters as a function of frequency of T-shaped slot antenna102 of FIG. 13 . Graphical plot 1400 confirms that a resonant frequencyis achieved with narrow capacitive plate 1302.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 5 withexample capacitive antenna feed 1500 coupled to capacitive plate 1502positioned in gap 199 between both arms 197 a-197 b. FIG. 16 depicts agraphical plot 1600 of the magnitude of scatter parameters as a functionof frequency of the T-shaped slot antenna of FIG. 15 . Graphical plot1500 confirms that a resonant frequency is achieved with capacitiveplate 1502.

In FIGS. 17-20 , a comparative experiment was conducted, utilizingvarying lengths of capacitive antenna coupling and different, relativeposition of line feed. FIG. 17 depicts a top view of communicationdevice 100 having the T-shaped slot antenna 102 of FIG. 5 depicteddisassembled from PCB 704. Communication device 100 includes firstexample capacitive antenna coupling 1700 and line feed 1702 extending toterminating end of long arm portion of the T-shaped slot 198. FIG. 18depicts a top view of communication device 100 having T-shaped slotantenna 102 of FIG. 5 depicted disassembled from PCB 704. Communicationdevice 100 includes second example capacitive antenna coupling 1800 andline feed 1802 extending to a position inside of the terminating end ofthe long arm portion of the T-shaped slot 198. FIG. 19 depicts a topview of communication device 100 having T-shaped slot antenna 102 ofFIG. 5 depicted disassembled from PCB 704. Communication device 100includes third example capacitive antenna coupling 1900 and line feed1902 extending to a position further inside of the long arm end 804 ofthe slot 198. FIG. 20 depicts graphical plot 2000 of the magnitude ofscatter parameters as a function of frequency of T-shaped slot antennas102 of FIGS. 17-19 . In this experiment, the effective coupling area forsmall arm 197 a is the same at all cases, first, second and third,respectively. Specifically, trace 2017 corresponds to first examplecapacitive antenna coupling 1700 and line feed 1702 of FIG. 17 . Trace2018 corresponds to second example capacitive antenna coupling 1800 andline feed 1802 of FIG. 18 . Trace 2019 corresponds to second examplecapacitive antenna coupling 1900 and line feed 1902 of FIG. 19 . Bychanging the location of line feed 1702 (FIG. 17 ), 1802 (FIG. 18 ),1902 (FIG. 19 ), the length of corresponding capacitive antenna coupler1700 (FIG. 17 ), 1800 (FIG. 18 ), 1900 (FIG. 19 ) also changed. Traces2017, 2018, and 2019 indicate that resonance does not depend on thelongitudinal length of the coupler line, but rather depends on how goodcoupling is done at smaller arm 197 a. Changes in higher resonancefrequencies are not expected in the first, second, and third casesrespectively of FIGS. 17-19 . The effective coupling area for long arm804 changes in FIG. 17-19 , getting smaller respectively. For theshortest length of coupling feed (FIG. 19 ), trace 2019 does have verygood resonance at lower frequency (3.1 GHz). The reason is that long arm804 of T-shaped slot 198 (FIG. 19 ) is responsible for lower resonance.With a short feed, the coupling with long arm 804 of T-shaped slot 198decreased. The portion of slot 198 adjacent to long arm 804 (FIG. 19 )is not fed well.

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram representation of automatedmanufacturing system (AMS) 2100 that manufactures and assemblescommunication devices 100 having T-shaped slot antennas 102. Controller2102 of automated manufacturing system 2100 executes manufacturingapplication 2104 that controls assembly machine(s) 2106. Assemblymachine(s) 2106 fabricate, treat, handle, and assemble the communicationdevices 100. Controller 2202 has processor subsystem 2112 that iscoupled to system memory 2114 via system interconnect 2116. Systeminterconnect 2116 can be interchangeably referred to as a system bus, inone or more embodiments. Also coupled to system interconnect 2116 isnon-volatile storage (e.g., a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM)storage 2118, within which can be stored one or more software and/orfirmware modules and one or more sets of data that can be utilizedduring operations of controller 2100. These one or more software and/orfirmware modules can be loaded into system memory 2114 during operationof AMS 2100. Specifically, in one embodiment, system memory 2114 caninclude therein a plurality of such modules, including one or more ofapplication(s) 2120, OS 2122, BIOS or UEFI 2124, and firmware 2126.These software and/or firmware modules have varying functionality whentheir corresponding program code is executed by processor subsystem 2112or secondary processing devices within AMS 2100. For example,manufacturing application 2104 and other application(s) 2120 can performmachine control.

AMS 2100 further includes one or more input/output (I/O) controllers2130 which support connection by and processing of signals from one ormore connected input device/s 2132, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or microphone. I/O controllers 2130 also support connection toand forwarding of output signals to one or more connected output devices2134, such as a monitor or display device or audio speaker(s).Additionally, in one or more embodiments, one or more device interfaces2136, such as an optical reader, a USB, a card reader, Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot, and/or ahigh-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), can be associated with AMS2100. Device interface(s) 2136 can be utilized to enable data to be readfrom or stored to corresponding removable storage device(s) 2138, suchas a compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), flash drive, or flashmemory card. In one or more embodiments, device interface(s) 2136 canfurther include general purpose I/O interfaces such as inter-integratedcircuit (I²C), system management bus (SMB), and peripheral componentinterconnect (PCI) buses.

AMS 2100 comprises a network interface controller (NIC) 2140. NIC 2140enables AMS 2100 and/or components within AMS 2100 to communicate and/orinterface with other devices, services, and components that are locatedexternal to AMS 2100. These devices, services, and components caninterface with AMS 2100 via an external network, such as example network2142, using one or more communication protocols that include transportcontrol protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) and network block device(NBD) protocol. Network 2142 can be a local area network, wide areanetwork, personal area network, and the like, and the connection toand/or between network and AMS 2100 can be wired, wireless, or acombination thereof. For purposes of discussion, network 2142 isindicated as a single collective component for simplicity. However, itshould be appreciated that network 2142 can comprise one or more directconnections to other devices as well as a more complex set ofinterconnections as can exist within a wide area network, such as theInternet.

FIGS. 22A-22B (FIG. 22 ) present a flow diagram of a method for making aT-shaped slot antenna in a rigid frame of a communication device.Relative to a design that incorporates a full lateral cut through themetal frame, the rigid frame resists twisting and bending of thecommunication device even with the introduction of the T-shaped slotantenna. In one or more embodiments, the T-shaped slot antenna ispositioned to be unimpeded by opening and closing of the communicationdevice and at location in the frame that does not affect the rigidity ofthe communication device to prevent twisting and bending. Thedescription of method 2200 is provided with general reference to thespecific components illustrated within the preceding FIGS. 1-21 . In atleast one embodiment, method 2200 can be implemented using manufacturingsystem 2100 having controller 2102 that executes manufacturingapplication 2104. With reference to FIG. 22A, method 2200 includesmaking a first frame member from metallic stock material, the firstframe member having a first portion and a second portion that extendlongitudinally adjacent (block 2202). In one embodiment, making thefirst frame member includes cutting a metallic band from sheet metalstock (block 2204). The metallic band has the first portion and thesecond portion of the first frame member that extend longitudinallyadjacent down a length of the metallic band. In one or more embodiments,the first frame member is formed by a select one of molding,three-dimensional printing, or machining.

A metallic frame assembly of communication device 100 (FIG. 1 ) includesa base metallic frame of base housing 158 (FIG. 1 ) having first,second, third and fourth frame members. In one or more embodiments, thebase metallic frame is formed from a metallic band. First frame memberis a left side of the base metallic frame. Second frame member is aninward (pivot) side of base metallic frame. Third frame member is aright side of base metallic frame, opposite to first frame member.Fourth frame member is an outward side of base metallic frame, oppositeto second frame member.

Metallic frame assembly includes flip metallic frame of flip housing 157(FIG. 1 ), which has first, second, third and fourth frame members. Inone or more embodiments, flip metallic frame is formed from a metallicband. First frame member is a left side of flip metallic frame. Secondframe member is a pivot side of flip metallic frame. Third frame memberis a right side of flip metallic frame opposite to the first framemember. Fourth frame member is an outward side of the flip metallicframe, opposite to second frame member. At least one of the framemembers of base metallic frame and the frame members of flip metallicframe has adjacent first and second portions The first portion extendsuninterrupted across one lateral side of the metallic frame to providestructural support to the corresponding one of the base metallic frameand flip metallic frame. The second portion is reserved for fabricatingT-shaped slot antenna 102.

With reference to FIG. 22A, method 2200 includes making a T-shaped slotantenna in the second portion of the first frame member in the metallicband. The T-shaped slot antenna has first and second arms separated at agap and partially encompassing a slot (block 2206). Method 2200 includesbending the metallic band into a circumferential metallic band of themetallic frame (block 2208).

With reference to FIG. 22B, method 2200 includes attaching at least onehousing structure to the first frame member to form a metallic frame ofa communication device to provide an interior mounting surface to formone of a base housing and a movable housing for receiving one or morefunctional components of the communication device (block 2210). One ofthe base frame and the movable frame includes the first frame memberthat is laterally positioned and orthogonal to a front side that isexposed in the open position and folded by the movable frame in theclosed position. Method 2200 includes pivotally coupling the base frameto the movable frame that is movable between an open position and aclosed position with the T-shaped slot antenna being unimpeded by theother one of the base frame and the movable frame in both the open andthe closed positions (block 2212). Method 2200 includes installing an RFfront end of the one or more functional components in the metallic frame(block 2214). Method 2200 includes positioning a metallic lead of the RFfront end in coplanar alignment with the T-shot slot antenna (block2216). Method 2200 includes electromagnetically coupling the metalliclead to the T-shape slot antenna (block 2218). Then method 2200 ends.

In one or more embodiments, coupling the RF front end to the T-shapedslot antenna in block 2212 includes: (i) aligning a PCB with the firstportion of the first frame member and a planar surface of the PCB withthe slot; and (ii) coupling the PCB to the metallic frame. Also,positioning the metallic lead of the RF front end includes attaching ametallic trace to the planar surface of the PCB. In one or moreparticular embodiments, electromagnetically coupling the metallic leadto the slot includes electrically connecting an ideal feed to the slot.In one or more particular embodiments, electromagnetically coupling themetallic lead to the slot includes attaching a capacitive plate to thePCB that extends into the slot and is proximate to and spaced apart fromat least one of the first arm and the second arm. In one or moreparticular embodiments, attaching the capacitive plate to the PCBincludes positioning the capacitive plate to extend in close proximityto the gap and a portion of both the first arm and the second arm, thefirst arm and the second arm having different lengths, the capacitiveplate to excite respective first and second antenna resonant frequenciesthat relate, respectively, to the length of the first and the secondarms.

In the above described flow charts presented herein, certain steps ofthe methods can be combined, performed simultaneously or in a differentorder, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spirit and scopeof the described innovation. While the method steps are described andillustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence ofsteps is not meant to imply any limitations on the innovation. Changesmay be made with regards to the sequence of steps without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present innovation. Use of a particularsequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present innovation is defined only by the appended claims.

Aspects of the present innovation are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinnovation. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of thepresent innovation may be embodied as a system, device, and/or method.Accordingly, embodiments of the present innovation may take the form ofan entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software andhardware embodiments that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.”

While the innovation has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the innovation. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device or component thereof to the teachings of the innovation withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the innovation not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this innovation, but that the innovation willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote anyorder or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the innovation.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present innovation has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the innovation in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the innovation. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the innovation and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the innovationfor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a first framemember including a first portion that resists bending and twisting andincluding second portion having a T-shaped slot antenna that is adjacentto the first portion, the T-shaped slot antenna having first and secondarms separated at a gap and partially encompassing a slot, the first andthe second arms having a different length to create a correspondingfirst and second antenna resonant frequency of the slot; a radiofrequency (RF) front end supported by the first frame member andelectrically coupled via a lead that is electromagnetically coupled tothe slot; a memory containing a communication application; and acontroller communicatively coupled to the RF front end and the memory,the controller executing the communication application to enable the RFfront end to: communicate with a first remote device via at least one ofan uplink channel and a downlink channel at the first antenna resonantfrequency of the slot; and communicate with a second remote device viaat least one of an uplink channel and a downlink channel at the secondantenna resonant frequency of the slot.
 2. The communication device ofclaim 1, further comprising a metallic frame comprising: a base framecomprising the first frame member; and a movable frame that is pivotallycoupled to the base frame between an open position and a closedposition, wherein the first frame member is laterally positioned andorthogonal to a front side that is exposed in the open position andfolded by the movable frame in the closed position, and the T-shapedslot antenna is unimpeded by the movable frame in both the open and theclosed positions.
 3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein thelead is electromagnetically coupled to the slot via a capacitive platethat extends across the gap in proximity to adjacent portions of thefirst arm and the second arm, the capacitive plate electricallyconnected to the lead to excite during transmission and to be excitedduring reception by the slot at the respective first and second antennaresonant frequencies.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, whereinthe lead is electromagnetically coupled to the slot via an ideal feedpositioned in the slot to excite the slot at the respective first andsecond antenna resonant frequencies.
 5. A method comprising: making afirst frame member including a first portion that resists bending andtwisting and including second portion having a T-shaped slot antennathat is adjacent to the first portion, the T-shaped slot antenna havingfirst and second arms separated at a gap and partially encompassing aslot, the first and the second arms having a different length to createa corresponding first and second antenna resonant frequency of the slot;providing a radio frequency (RF) front end supported by the first framemember and electrically coupled via a lead that is electromagneticallycoupled to the slot; and providing a controller communicatively coupledto the RF front end and a memory containing a communication application;and enable the controller to execute the communication application toenable the RF front end to: communicate with a first remote device viaat least one of an uplink channel and a downlink channel at the firstantenna resonant frequency of the slot; and communicate with a secondremote device via at least one of an uplink channel and a downlinkchannel at the second antenna resonant frequency of the slot.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising providing a metallic framecomprising: a base frame comprising the first frame member; and amovable frame that is pivotally coupled to the base frame between anopen position and a closed position, wherein the first frame member islaterally positioned and orthogonal to a front side that is exposed inthe open position and folded by the movable frame in the closedposition, and the T-shaped slot antenna is unimpeded by the movableframe in both the open and the closed positions.
 7. The method of claim5, further comprising electromagnetically coupling the lead to the slotvia a capacitive plate that extends across the gap in proximity toadjacent portions of the first arm and the second arm, the capacitiveplate electrically connected to the lead to excite during transmissionand to be excited during reception by the slot at the respective firstand second antenna resonant frequencies.
 8. The method of claim 5,further comprising electromagnetically coupling the lead to the slot viaan ideal feed positioned in the slot to excite the slot at therespective first and second antenna resonant frequencies.